Did you know that natural seasonings don’t just make each meal pop? They also deliver health benefits that your body will thank you for.
Get ready to spice up your life with these five natural seasonings that every South African household loves to use.
Chickpea, Garlic and Herb Falafel
Have you ever thought about how awesome garlic is? Seriously, it is the superstar of the South African kitchen. Not only does it add a punchy flavor to our dishes, but it also packs a punch when it comes to heart health and anti-microbial benefits. Each clove contains a small amount of Vitamin C, zinc, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin E, vitamin K and manganese, it can help fight off colds and flu, improve digestion, and enhance skin health.
Beef Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce
It goes by other names such as Cilantro, Chinese parsley and Dhania, but here’s another seasoning that we love to use: Coriander! Its leaves and seeds aren’t just delicious, but they also pack immunity-boosting antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar and promote heart health.
Whether you prefer white or red onions, there is no doubt that you use it in almost all of your dishes. Full of antioxidants, onions also have antimicrobial properties to slow down the growth of bacteria..
Lentil Stew with Meat and Vegetables
This one you surely know about: the flavorful and aromatic oregano! Whether you're adding it to a soup base, sprinkling it on pizza, or using it in a marinade mix, the bold and earthy oregano has been used for centuries as a household remedy for asthma, muscle pain, and colds. It is also rich in antioxidant flavonoids, which protect cells from damage due to free radical damage. For a yummy and healthy dish, just add a bit of oregano..
Homestyle Chicken MAGGI Noodles and Tomato
Here’s another natural seasoning that's commonly used in many dishes: celery. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Packed with Vitamins A, C, and K, it gives a refreshing twist to your favorite meals while helping you maintain a healthy body. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for you to try out!
Just like its cousin, ginger, turmeric has been used for centuries for its health promoting properties. Itis bursting with antioxidants to keep your immune system strong and can even soothe upset stomachs and reduce nausea. Many people also take turmeric as tea at the first sign of cough and colds, with the aim of enhancinge their immunity.
Here’s our take on the the local favorite Bobotie and Yellow rice with turmeric as the star of the show..
Containing high amounts of fiber, sesame seeds support digestive health and may even help to maintain heart health, when taken in sufficient quantities (30g per day). Its nuttiness and earthiness add a different layer of flavor when used as seasoning in any dish. More specifically, this one.
One of the most used and famous spices on this list, black pepper lends its flavor to almost all dishes that we cook. But did you know that it has its share of health benefits too? Black pepper is rich in a potent antioxidant called piperine, which may help prevent free radical damage to your cells. It is thought to play a role in heart health, blood sugar control and even brain health.It is also a remedy for digestive conditions. Looking for a recipe where the black pepper proves its position as the “king of spice”?
There you have it! On the next meals you prep, add these natural seasonings that are not just flavorful for your dishes, they are potent sources of essential nutrients. They do spice up your life!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic#low-calorie
https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)14776-0/fulltext
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814606006005
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-onions
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/parsley-benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259#benefits
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coriander-benefits#1.-May-help-lower-blood-sugar
